This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a tasty dish that mixes tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts with creamy pesto sauce. It’s a quick meal that’s full of flavor!
I love how everything cooks in one pot, making clean-up a breeze! Plus, the mix of colors from the tomatoes and pine nuts makes it look super inviting. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used farfalle for its fun shape, but feel free to swap it out for any pasta you have on hand like penne or rotini. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they vary.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
Cherry Tomatoes: The colorful mix makes it visually appealing. If cherry tomatoes are out of season, use diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Basil Pesto: Store-bought pesto is super convenient. If you have fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and Parmesan, you can quickly whip up your own pesto at home!
Pine Nuts: These nuts add a lovely crunch. If you don’t have them, try almonds or walnuts. Toast them lightly for a better flavor!
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but there’s a simple way to ensure it’s juicy and delicious. Here’s what to do:
- Start with a hot skillet. Adding the chicken to a properly heated skillet helps to seal in moisture.
- Cut chicken into even pieces. This will ensure even cooking throughout.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe eating and perfect doneness.
This method keeps your chicken tender and flavorful, making your pasta dish a hit!
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (mix of red and yellow), halved
- 3/4 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Total Time Needed:
This tasty dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and prepping the ingredients, with an additional 15-20 minutes to cook the chicken, tomatoes, and toss everything together. It’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Keep it warm by covering it with a lid.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While your pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Tomatoes:
Using the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally until they start to blister and soften—this brings out their sweetness!
4. Combine Chicken, Pesto, and Pasta:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the tomatoes. Then immediately stir in the prepared basil pesto and the cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently until well coated and heated through. This is where all the flavors come together!
5. Toast the Pine Nuts:
In a small dry pan over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they’re golden brown, which will take about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to stir them frequently to prevent burning. The aroma will be wonderful!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, plate the pasta and top it with toasted pine nuts and optional chopped fresh basil. If desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Now, dig in and enjoy your delicious Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with juicy roasted tomatoes and crunchy pine nuts!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta!
What Can I Substitute for Pine Nuts?
If you don’t have pine nuts, you can use slivered almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds as alternatives. Just toast them lightly to enhance the flavor before adding them to your dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and consider adding some chickpeas or tofu for protein. You can also enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or gently warm on the stove, adding a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the pasta if needed.
